Shelby County, TN Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Shelby County, TN, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Carport type
- Accessory structure (UDC 2.7)
- Detached setback
- 5 feet side/rear
- Attached carport
- Part of principal structure
- Size cap
- 75% cumulative accessory
- Placement standard
- UDC Sec. 3.9.1
Summary
In unincorporated Shelby County, the Unified Development Code treats carports as accessory structures. A detached carport must sit at least five feet from side and rear lines and stay under the 75 percent cumulative-size cap; attached carports count as part of the principal structure.
In addition to the standards provided below, attached garages and carports are considered part of the principal structure and must meet all applicable requirements of the principal structure. Detached garages and carports are considered accessory structures and must meet all applicable requirements of Chapter 2.7.
Full Breakdown
The Memphis/Shelby County UDC governs carports in unincorporated county areas. Under UDC Sec. 3.9.1, an attached carport is part of the principal structure and must meet its setback and yard requirements, while a detached carport is an accessory structure subject to Chapter 2.7. That means a detached carport must be at least five feet from side and rear property lines (UDC Sec. 2.7.2B), must be shorter than the principal dwelling, and counts toward the 75 percent cumulative accessory-structure size cap in UDC Sec. 2.7.2C. Street-facing placement follows the residential-compatibility standards of UDC Sec. 3.9, and carports built before January 1, 2020, are not nonconforming. Incorporated cities apply their own zoning.
Violations & Fines
A carport inside the five-foot setback, taller than the house, or pushing accessory square footage past the 75 percent cap violates the UDC in unincorporated Shelby County, enforced by Planning and Development through the joint zoning ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a carport allowed in unincorporated Shelby County?
How close to the property line can a detached carport be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
How Shelby County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee accessory structures overview
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